Buxton

This elegant Georgian town is less than an hours journey from the cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Stoke on Trent and Derby and an hour and a half from Nottingham. Set 1000 feet above sea level amidst the dramatic Peak District landscape, Buxton has been a popular holiday resort for centuries, blessed with stunning scenery, magnificent architecture, a wealth of shops, a thriving arts scene and its world-famous spa water.

Buxton is the largest town in the Peak District & lies on the divide between the limestone White Peak & the gritstone of the Dark Peak. The Romans name for Buxton was Aquae Arnemetiae – The Spa of the Goddess of the Grove. The water is famous for its purity & rejuvenating properties & you can fill your bottle up from the spring which still bubbles up, opposite the Tourist Information Centre near to the Colonnade.

Buxton Country Park

Poole’s Cavern lies to the south-west of Buxton centre, below Grin Low and Grin Low woods. The whole area is a country park in the care of Buxton Civic Association.

The cavern was formed by the action of the river Wye, which rises on Axe Edge (The name ‘Axe’ is derived from the old English word Isca, which is also where the word ‘whisky’ come from).

The cavern gains its name from ‘The robber Poole’, who is reputed to have lived in the cave in the 15th century. However, the cave has been used by Man since Neolithic times and archaeological digs have revealed Stone Age tools and artefacts, Bronze Age pottery and a wealth of Roman material. It seems that at one time in the Roman period the cave was used as a workshop by a craftsman who made bronze brooches and other metal items. Many Roman coins and pottery were also found.

The cavern has attracted visitors for hundreds of years, and there is a local tradition that Mary Queen of Scots came to visit on one of her trips to take the waters at Buxton during her imprisonment at Chatsworth.

The top of Grin Low, which once had a Bronze Age tumulus, is now capped by Solomon’s Temple, a folly built in 1895 by public subscription to provide work for the local jobless. It makes a fine viewpoint.

The Cavern is open to visitors from mid-February – end of October from 10.00 – 5.00 daily. Adult £7.00, Child £4.00, Concessions £5.50 and Family ticket £20. Entry to the country park is free. 01298 73563.

Buxton Crescent

In the late 18th century Buxton followed the fashion of Bath and other centres and was developed as a spa by the great local landowner, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. At the time, he was making vast profits from his copper mines at nearby Ecton in the Manifold valley, and these are reputed to have paid for his building work in Buxton.

The most famous building of the time is The Crescent, consciously modelled on that of Bath. It was built for the Duke between 1780 and 1784 by John Carr, out of locally quarried gritstone, and included a ballroom and an Assembly Room as well as a town house for the Duke and shops along the ground floor.

Above it, on the west side, he built a fine circular set of stables, which the 6th Duke gave to charity in 1859 to be converted into the Devonshire Royal Hospital. The architect, Henry Curry, covered the circular exercise area in the centre of the stables with a huge iron-framed dome covered in slate. Until recently this was the largest unsupported dome in the world.

The hospital has recently closed and the building has been sold to the University of Derby, to be used as the centrepiece of their new Buxton campus.

Next door to The Crescent are the former Thermal Baths (built 1851-3), now the Tourist Information Centre, and then the Old Hall Hotel – once the town house of Bess of Hardwick and her husband the Earl of Shrewsbury, the jailers of Mary Queen of Scots. This is where she stayed when she visited Buxton, though the building has been much altered since.

Buxton Museum

Buxton Museum is housed in the buildings of the former Peak Hotel, almost opposite the Town Hall. It is small but well worth a visit.

It is an excellent place from which to begin to appreciate the landscape and history of the Peak. Upstairs there is the Peak District display, which deservedly won a ‘Museum of the Year’ award in 1990 – this is an excellent show which illustrates how the landscape of the Peak District developed, and the animals and people who lived here in ancient times.

Also upstairs is an art gallery used for regular exhibitions of work by local artists, while downstairs there are a range of important geological and historical finds (such as the Boyd-Dawkins material), but displayed in the familiar musty cases of traditional museums.

The museum is opposite the Town Hall in Higher Buxton.

Buxton Opera House

Designed by Frank Matcham in grand Edwardian style, was completed in 1905. Following a period when it had fallen into disuse, it was lovingly restored in 1979, and re-opened as an opera house. In the same year the Buxton International Festival of Music and Arts was born, which has developed into one of this country’s largest opera-based festival.

Tel. 0845 12 72190

Pavillion Gardens

The Opera House stands in 23 acres of ornamental gardens in the heart of Buxton. Laid out in 1871 by Edward Milner, with money donated by the Duke of Devonshire the Pavilion Gardens are a pleasant place to wander.

What our customers say:

Our hosts were all very friendly and Stan was a pleasure to deal with. The route had just the correct amount of difficulty for us, challenging at times. We always went with route 2. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Even managed to ride up Winnats Pass out of Castleton as an extra, stopped twice for a brief rest.

Jeff and Cate Collier Heart of the Peaks2015

This was our first walking holiday and we had a great time even with hard rainfall day the last day. It was great to have someone else sort the accommodation, route and transportation of luggage. We also spoke to other hikers and found Peak Tours to be very reasonably priced compared to what they had paid. Everything was perfect for our break, a big thank you!

Tanya WilsonGlacial Gorges2015

We had a really good time, stan was very efficient transporting the bags. Alan Richmond ay Sheriff Lodge baked Gluten Free bread specially, which was the best I have ever tasted. All the B&Bs put themselves out for my dietary requirements.

Hilary and Gerald Fox Glacial Gorges Walking Tour2015

The Plough Inn at Hathersage had lovely rooms and excellent food and parking. We got a warm welcome from Chloe, what lovely staff! Great accommodation, great routes and a lovely weekend, Thank you.

The Glacial Gorges route is excellent which gave us the opportunity to walk on the limestone way, along rivers and dales, across fields as well as visiting small villages en route. We loved everything about the tour! We had fantastic walks every day, stayed in some great places and have gotten a wonderful impression of this small part of Derbyshire that we explored. All very well organised and it was good to read the notes and learn something about where we were going.

Kate Adams & Helen EvansGlacial GorgesJuly 2015

Returned yesterday from our 5 day High Peak Rambler Tour and wanted to convey our thanks for what was undoubtedly one of our finest weeks of walking. From Initial enquiry to the final day’s walk were so impressed by the helpfulness and friendliness of Peak Tour staff, the extremely comprehensive walking pack received and excellent accommodation and welcoming B&B hosts. A fantastic operation indeed and one which we would have no hesitation in recommending.

Jennifer BigginHigh Peak RamblerJuly 2015

Thoroughly enjoyable and physically challenging! We liked the fact that much of the route had very limited traffic. Would be happy to stay at any of the accommodation again.

Tim TowlerHeart of the PeakAugust 2014

Overall, excellent.fantastic routes, very good value.

Caroline Turk & Simon BrooksHigh Peak RamblerAugust 2014

Great couple of days walking. Easy to follow directions. Would highly recommend and will use Peak Tours again.

JP & Kate MichaelskiAugust 2014August 2014

Thank you for a lovely holiday. Very well organised. very friendly service - would book another tour.

Julie MolyneuxRivers & RidgesAugust 2014

An excellent tour. A big thank you to Stan for organising the transfers.

Julie & John BowtellHigh Peak RamblerJuly 2014

Excellent.Good variety of scenery and interesting to have historical notes about the places we visited. Well supported and the transfers worked really well. Thank you!

Lynda & KateGlacial GorgesMay 2014

Excellent - couldn't fault it and will be recommending you to friends for sure. Thank you!

Ben SedleyPeak Family TourApril 2014

An excellent tour. The route information was the best we have ever had in terms of quality and clarity.

All parts of the tour were excellent and I would recommend Peak Tours to others without hesitation.

Alison Lowndes

Great tour overall, excellent challenge. Lovely B&B keepers – you could not ask for nicer places in lovely villages. My husband and I (68yrs and 72yrs) believe we have qualified for our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award!

Margaret WoodRivers & RidgesJune 2014

We’d definitely go on another tour. The cycle routes and walks went through some lovely landscapes and the B&Bs were great to stay at. Collecting the bikes and luggage went smoothly. Thanks very much.

Phil RamsayPure Peak DistrictJune 2014

Excellent value for money. All parts of the tour were excellent and I would recommend Peak Tours to others without hesitation.

Wonderful accommodation and thanks to Stan for his wonderful service. Would seriously consider a similar tour next year.

Graham & Elizabeth JonesOne Foot in the DalesMay 2014

We loved the variety & the amazing view points. Couldn't be better & looking forward to the next tour.

KGLimestone Peak - YHAJune 2011

Great value for money. Very well organised. Would definately recommend & do again.

MMThe Ultimate Peak District TourJuly 2011

We found the YHA very comfortable with great surroundings. Simon says 'best pub garden he's been in for a while'.

JTYHA Family Tour - 3 nightsAugust 2011

We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the hostels. We really enjoyed it - good value for money.

CMFields & DalesAugust 2011

We thoroughly enjoyed each days walk and thought we saw some lovely parts of the Peak District

ARGlacial GorgesSeptember 2011

This is an excellent tour & we will definately be booking again.

MKStanage Edge, Ladybower & CastletonJuly 2011

Very good for the family with younger riders/those who haven't been on a bike for ages. It was just about the right length & the directions were excellent.

Fantastic value for money and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do some exercise and see the area. Bikes were delivered promptly & luggage collected & transported without any fuss. Everyone involved - tour staff & B&B owners were all very helpful & friendly - a great 3 days, thank you!

SBPeak Family Tour September 2011

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and sre recommending it to everyone we know. Your attention to detail is outstanding and you obviously love the Peak District.

SSVillages & DalesApril 2011

We really enjoyed the whole weekend & re discovered the Peak District which we have neglected over the years. We will be back!

MRHistoric Villages & Alpine TrailsMay 2011

We all enjoyed the tour very much - the routes & accommodation were all great, thank you!

The Hayward FamilyPeak Family TourMay 2010

I fell in love with the Peak district, not only the beauty of the landscape but this was the first time I visited England (and I go often) when I found very friendly and hospitable people. All the walks were great, all the accommodations were excellent and friendly and more importantly very comfortable. Everything was just perfect.

Rosa GambierGlacial GorgesJune 2010

The bikes were excellent, well maintained and efficient gearing & the computers were a nice touch. We had a great time & will use Peak Tours again.

A & R CarterThe Limestone PeakApril 2010

We loved the Peak District & were most grateful for your efficient back up assistance - we couldn't have done it without you.

HilaryHeart of the PeakApril 2010

Superb, exactly what we wanted & more, many thanks.

Adam CottisGlacial GorgesMarch 2010

Extremely good value. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour, the time at Chatsworth was a nice added extra to the walking. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those not experienced in walking holidays.

All B&B's were clean, comfortable with lovely hosts/esses. A good breakfast set us up for the day! All were easy to find within easy distance of other amenities.

AGGlacial Gorges October 2009

Just wanted to thank you for a cracking walking weekend, we all had a fantastic time - the walks which you suggested were superb and we were even blessed with blue skies and light to non-existent winds! Thanks also for the maps and additional 'general interest' stuff.

The Millstone was great and the staff really friendly. We even won the quiz night on the Friday night!

All in all a great and memorable weekend. Thanks again and either as a group or as individuals/families we will be in touch again regarding walking /cycling holidays in this beautiful area.

Dave ScarlettRivers & RidgesSept 09

The tour was great, we really enjoyed exploring the area. I'd be keen to see more of the Peak District by bike.

C & RHistoric Villages & Alpine TrailsAug 2009

A warm welcome was extended at each venue. Accommodation was clean & comfortable and a full breakfast was available.

The route was excellent & the mileage helped us guage exactly where we were. We thoroughly enjoyed our cycle tour and found the background notes very helpful. I would recommend your company to others without hesitation.

SMPeak Family TourJuly 2009

It was a very good experience & enjoyed by all. The planning, maps & directions given were ideal to enable an enjoyable time to be had.

JTHeart of the PeakSeptember 2008

I just wanted to reiterate our complete satisfaction with all aspects of out holiday. We had an absolutely wonderful time, and are already talking about repeating the experience next year.

Denis CaseyHeart of the PeakJuly 2009

Great mix of ups & downs. Good to avoid the busy roads. Fantastic scenery throughout. We had a great time – thank you! The tour pack was very informative & helpful

WTAugust 2008

Bikes were great & gears could take us up the hills. Had a great time & will recommend to anyone interested.

MSThe Limestone PeakAugust 2008

Overall the service from start to finish has been first class and I would have no hesitation in recommending Peak Tours as a good value, customer focussed holiday provider.

AGHeart of the PeakJuly 2008

Such an excellent vacation – we are really grateful for all your suggestions & guidance, you have great taste! (or we like similar things). The route materials provided and all the background information were really valuable. We are so satisfied and happy that we did one of your tours and wish you loads of success for the future!

SSHistoric Villages & Alpine TrailsJuly 2008

The volume & the quantity of the instructions plus the routes themselves really showed the level of involvement. We had the feeling that we “knew” hidden roads and shortcuts that other cyclists were unaware of – Thank you!

AHJuly 2008

Very detailed and helpful descriptions and excellent maps. Good idea with 2 alternatives, the shortest were suitable for us considering the weather & our training. A very good arrangement and well organised, we enjoyed it a lot.

MKThe Ultimate Peak District Tour July 2008

Route was really enjoyable & the challenge of completing each day was great. A brilliant holiday, thoroughly enjoyable experience, turned good friends into great friends! We appreciated the personal touches in the service overall – felt that we were in safe hands and that everything had been thought of. Thanks!

DFLimestone Peak - YHAJune 2008

Lovely place to stay, Smashing room & hospitality second to none, couldn’t have been better! We had a great time, good local information on where to eat etc.

MJHistoric Villages & Alpine TrailsJune 2008

It was a great tour and the best way to see the Peak District. Really nice routes with fantastic views. Having the route highlighted on the map was very helpful. Thanks!

MFHigh Peak HighlightsApril 2008

A fantastic holiday from start to finish – thank you!

DTHeart of the PeakApril 2008

Many, many thanks. The bikes were great as was the route map – we had a great time. Hope to use you again. A great service.

MS, Cycle Hire Channel to the MedMarch 2008

Thank you very much for organising everything. We had a very good time and the navigation was spot on. A really well planned & beautiful route.